HP Spectre X2 Review: A Core m Powered Surface Alternative

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HP Spectre x2 Intro and Specs

When Microsoft first launched its Surface line of products, it caused quite a stir in the mobile PC market. It may have taken a couple of iterations to get things dialed in to the point they are today, but simply entering the market with its own branded hardware put Microsoft in the position of essentially competing with its partners. Microsoft had a specific vision for the future of Windows-based mobile products, however, and decided to develop hardware that embodied that vision.

Now that we’re a few years removed from the introduction of the original Surface and Surface Pro, it’s clear that Microsoft’s vision has merit, and now virtually all of the company’s major OEM partners are producing at least a few machines that were partially influenced by the Surface. The product we will be showing you here today, HP’s Spectre X2 is as similar a machine to the Surface Pro that we have seen to date. The form factor, detachable keyboard design, kickstand and overall look at feel of the machine are very “Surface-like”. But HP has made some well thought-out changes and packed the machine with different hardware, and the end result is rather interesting.

Take a look at the details and specifications below and then we’ll dig in a little deeper and explain why HP may have beaten Microsoft at its own game...

Unlike the top-of-the-line Surface Pro products, which feature full Core i-processors, the HP Spectre X2 is based on Intel’s lower-power Core m series. Leveraging the Core m allows HP to feature Intel’s latest processor 6th gen Core technology, but in lower power envelopes. As such, the HP Spectre X2 is fanless, and has no moving parts, save for its integrated kickstand and buttons.

The particular model we’re looking at here features a Core m7-6Y75. The Core m7-6Y75 is a dual-core / quad-thread processor with a base frequency of 1.2Hz and a max Turbo frequency of 3.1 GHz. The TDP is configurable up to 7W or down to 3.5W, but is typically 4.5W. Its on-processor HD 515 graphics can Turbo up to 1GHz and feature all of Intel’s latest graphics tech, like Quick Sync, InTru 3D, etc. Other specs include 8GB of LPDDR3 memory, a 256GB Lite-On SSD, a 12” WUXGA screen, 802.11ac WiFi / Bluetooth and Verizon LTE support, a various IO including a built-in card reader and USB type C.

There are other goodies on-board as well, like Bang and Olufsen tuned audio and front and rear facing camera. All told, the total package is quite complete, despite the Spectre X2’s svelte 11.93 x 8.23 x 0.52 in dimension and 2.63lb weight.